Welcome Home to our Sailors & Marines SAN DIEGO (Nov. 27, 2019) MM3 Zachary Behrend, from, Goldsboro, N.C., assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), greets his son for the first time during a homecoming gathering at Naval Base San Diego. Boxer, part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), is returning to its homeport of San Diego following a 7-month deployment to the 5th and 7th fleet area of operations. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 John Luke McGovern. VA introduces 'Solid Start' to provide support to veterans Program provides vets supportive contact and information to enable success WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in collaboration with the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, introduced VA Solid Start which will proactively contact all newly separated service members at least three times during their first year of transition from the military. Read more.... NEXCOM launches NEXTgen Scholars Program 12/4/2019 From Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs Virginia Beach, VA (NNS) -- The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) has revamped its student reward program just in time for the new year. The NEXTgen Scholars Program still offers all qualified students the opportunity to win $2,500, $1,500, $1,000 or $500 each quarter. Along with the monetary award, each winner will receive a certificate and medallion with ribbon displaying “In Honor of Academic Excellence.” The next drawing is at the end of December 2019. Read more.... Operation Homefront accepting 2020 Military Child of the Year nominations Operation Homefront, the national nonprofit that builds strong, stable, and secure military families, is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Military Child of the Year® Awards, as well as applications for the 2020 Military Child of the Year ®Award for Innovation. Military Child of the Year is the nation’s premier celebration of the achievements of military children. Nominations are open through December 9, and all awards will be presented at a recognition gala April 2, 2020, in the nation’s capital. The annual awards will recognize seven outstanding young people ages 13 to 18 who are legal dependents of a service member or military retiree. Six Military Child of the Year recipients will represent a branch of the armed forces, the seventh award goes to a military child who has designed a bold and creative solution to address a local, regional, or global challenge. To nominate a child for the award, visit www.militarychildoftheyear.org and click the Nominations tab. Anyone can nominate a child. Finished your housing surveys? 11/2019 by Kyle Z. Hendrix, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy Installations Command (CNIC) leaders call on to the residents and families using Public-Private Venture (PPV) housing to do every survey possible to help the command pinpoint problems and solve them. “Housing is a significant quality of life priority, and we are actively monitoring how the changes we make impact our residents,” noted Ed Cannon, Director of Fleet and Family Readiness at CNIC.... read more Military couple assignment policy: 5 things to know The Navy realizes how important families are, and when they're not whole it can add stress to a Sailor's life. Collocation of dual-military couples is part of supporting families. It is a priority, along with balancing fleet readiness. The revised policy updates the collocation and distribution procedures and makes orders negotiation less cumbersome........ read more Navy Pregnancy and Parenthood mobile app available "Pregnancy and parenthood can be compatible with a successful military career when Service members and the Command both understand their roles and responsibilities, said Capt. Candace Eckert, director of N1 Diversity. "This app makes that task easier by identifying regulations, instructions and references from a wide variety of sources and offering them in one easy-to-use app. The app includes information regarding assignments, retention, separation, standards of conduct and much more." ......read more Separation policy To protect Sailors and Marines suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) or any other diagnosed mental health condition, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus has made his department the first in the military to assure such conditions are considered before separating a service member. ......read more

YOUR MONEY Military pay tables 2019 BAH rates 2019 BAH Calculator MORE NEWSSTORIES USS America arrives in Japan in homeport change from San Diego USO honors outstanding service members at annual awards ceremony USS New Orleans arrives at new homeport of Sasebo, Japan Bill introduced to build DC monument for Medal of Honor recipients VA introduces 'Solid Start' to provide support to veterans NEXCOM launches NEXTgen Scholars Program Boxer ARG returns from deployment USS Lake Erie returns from deployment Newest San Diego ship USS Cincinnati pulls in to port Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln makes liberty port call in Bahrain Seal Beach again named best small Navy installation in the Southwest It’s that time again: Have holiday mail? Know your mailing deadlines! USS America leaves SD for new homeport In Japan Boxer ARG, 11th MEU arrive in Pearl Harbor ready for tigers NMCSD achieves meritorious status in quality metrics NSWC Corona officially opens long-awaited OM&S Warehouse in ribbon cutting ceremony Navy asks PPV residents to return housing survey NEX honors veterans on Nov 11 with special offer Approved veterans and caregivers to access base facilities, shops Lots in store for Fleet Week San Diego attendees Nov. 4-12 Volunteers sought for Operation Dress Code Boutique Day, part of TMF's Operation Legacy Navy commissions USS Cincinnati; Newest LCS to be homeported in San Diego U.S. 3rd Fleet changes hands; Alexander retires Milley takes oath as 20th Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff NAVFAC Southwest change of command Hispanic Heritage Month Sept 15-Oct 15. Honoring Hispanic Americans: Essential to the Blueprint of Our Nation 2nd Fleet ships, aircraft depart Dorian's path; Installations continue preparations NAVWAR showcases speed, agility at Navy Test & Evaluation Summit Navy releases hemp policy More Sailor-friendly options for PCS moves NAVWAR partners with UCSD, explores data science for improved decision making USS Michael Murphy provides aid to stranded mariners New uniform mobile app has new name, new guidance USS Stethem arrives at new homeport: San Diego Navy modernizing PCS move process AI prize challenge offers $150,000 total cash prizes Post GI Bill benefits transfer extended for some Do you want to be a career recruiter? Gator Week: ‘Building resiliency through camaraderie’ MCPON, VCNO honor 2018 Sailors of the Year Oceanside hosts Operation Appreciation Armed Forces Day celebration America On Main Street 'Out of this World' USS Boxer ARG deploys from San Diego USS America, USS New Orleans to forward deploy to Japan; USS Stethem, USS Wasp to return to U.S. Navy to showcase innovative Information Warfare capabilities Navy's newest littoral combat ship, USS Charleston, arrives SD Navy Region Southwest welcomes new commander Navy uniform policy update announced SPAWAR Systems Center names change to Naval Information Warfare Centers Navy commands convene in Information Warfare Pavilion at WEST 2019; Demonstrate critical teamwork in the information domain Will you make the cut? US Navy Ceremonial Guard NAVADMIN released 2018 Health Safety Fitness Flagship Award winners announced Naval Research Laboratory Tech Transfer Office forges collaboration with tech incubator Navy awards contract for construction of two carriers USS Michael Monsoor commissioned in San Diego Navy technology commands improve Information Warfare readiness SWRMC completes local ASTM G-67 testing Indianapolis endures CAC-less: The future of Navy mobile apps Sailor selected to Warrant Officer 1, Navy's first since 1975 Navy announces advancement policy updates IWTC SD Sailors, families participate in Wreaths Across America ceremony CNSF signs new Surface Warfare Watchstander Proficiency Requirements Instruction Quick reminders to keep you, your DoD info cybersecure SPAWAR implements new policy to modernize engineering systems Navy reestablishes Sailor Early Return-to-Sea policy DoD partners With LinkedIn, offers military spouses free membership Trump signs order to improve mental health resources for transitioning veterans Self service updates for emergency contacts Navy develops 'smart' artificial limbs NAVY 311 answers the call

Local military news

We're so happy to see you ....

A Sailor assigned to USS Boxer (LHD 4) walks down the pier with his family after the ship's return home to Naval Base San Diego, Nov. 27. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Justin Whitley.


SAN DIEGO (Nov. 27, 2019) Chief Personnel Specialist Jonathan Kwakye, from Accre, Ghana, assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), reunites with his family during a homecoming gathering at Naval Base San Diego. John P. Murtha, part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), returns to its homeport of San Diego following a 7-month deployment to the 5th and 7th fleet area of operations U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Kyle Carlstrom.

Bonhomme Richard holds change of command
by MC3 Hector Carrera
SAN DIEGO - USS Bonhomme Richard on Nov. 21 held a change-of-command ceremony in Coronado. Capt. G. S. Thoroman relieved Capt. Rich LeBron, who had served as Bonhomme Richard’s commanding officer since September 2018. “As I reach the end of this tour, I will attest to the competence and energy of Bonhomme Richard’s new leader, Capt. Scott Thoroman,” LeBron said. “I leave here knowing a leader who fundamentally understands command will command BHR. He knows this ship and crew, their strengths and weaknesses, perhaps better than I do.”Lebron encouraged the crew to continue to strive for excellence as the new commanding officer takes charge. “I look forward to watching where Bonhomme Richard goes next as she sails forward propelled by the winds of excellence,” he said.Vice Adm. Richard Brown, Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific, thanked Captain LeBron for his dedicated service to Bonhomme Richard and her crew.

Seal Beach again picked as Best Small Navy Installation in the Southwest
11/14/2019
by Gregg Smith, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Public Affairs
SEAL BEACH, Calif. (NNS) -- For the third time in four years, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach has been selected as the winner of the Commander, Navy Region Southwest Installation Excellence Award for Small Installations.
The award recognizes bases for superior support to the fleet, cost savings, and innovative improvements to facilities, quality of life, safety, and environmental sustainability.
“Competition this year was tough, and all of our bases have had some truly outstanding accomplishments,” said the Commander of Navy Region Southwest, Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar.
“However, the exceptional work by the Seal Beach team really stood out.”
In recent years base personnel have led efforts to curb the use of energy and water, build a new ammunition pier, upgrade the gym and family housing units, and improve the safety and security of base operations.
“It is a true honor and privilege to be a part of this great organization, and we would not have been selected for this recognition without everyone’s hard work and dedication," said weapons station Commanding Officer Capt. Jason Sherman. "Our efforts at constant improvement, collaboration and teamwork have really paid off, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we fare at the national level."
The weapons station will next represent the Southwest region in the competition for the best small installation Navy-wide. That contest is scheduled to be decided by January 2020.
In 2012 and 2016 the base and its two detachments in Fallbrook and Norco, Calif. went on to win honors as the best small installation in the U.S. Navy.
Commencing operations in 1944 as a Naval Ammunition and Net Depot, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach provides munitions to a majority of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

NMCSD achieves meritorious status in quality metrics
11/12/2019
by MCSN Luke Cunningham,
Naval Medical Center San Diego Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvements Program (NSQIP) recently recognized Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) for meritorious outcomes in several categories throughout calendar year 2018.
ACS NSQIP is a data-driven, risk-adjusted, outcome-based program whose goal is to improve the quality of surgical care. It provides a facility-based assessment of surgical outcomes, with actionable information and data for targeting improvements. Read more...




National military news
Carrier Truman repaired, returns to sea to relieve USS Abraham Lincoln
11/12/2019
From U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) (NNS) -- Repairs to USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) are complete, and all efforts are being made to return the carrier and air wing to sea to conduct operations.
In August, the Navy announced an emergent maintenance requirement for an electrical issue aboard Truman. The Navy replaced damaged components and completed tests to ensure no further issues will arise. An engineering analysis, coupled with inspections aboard several aircraft carriers, show that this was a localized issue and not a class-wide concern. The success of this repair was due to the outstanding efforts of multiple Navy organizations and industry partners who quickly brought their expertise and skills to bear to resolve this issue.
“Returning HST to full functionality was a team effort with a tremendous amount of work and collaboration by NAVSEA, our industry partners, shipyard workers and the crew of HST to overcome a very challenging technical issue,” said Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Vice Admiral Thomas Moore.
Every effort is being made to make the carrier, air wing and Sailors operationally ready to deploy.

Admiral: Carrier Lincoln’s Middle East mission will be extended
U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE - The Lincoln Carrier Strike Group will remain on station in the Middle East while its relief carrier is still undergoing unexpected repairs on the East Coast, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Robert Burke said.“She’s just over eight months right now because, as always, the world gets a vote,” he said during the Military Reporters and Editors conference on Oct. 25.“Every sailor knows the world gets a vote, and we’re going to stay and do the job until they’re properly relieved.”As of last Thursday, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) was operating in the North Arabian Sea. While the Navy is planning for the carrier to be extended, it’s unclear if Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has signed the order to formally extend the deployment.A Pentagon spokesperson did not have any additional details when contacted by USNI News on Friday.
Marines offer up to $90K in bonuses for reenlistments
The Marine Corps is offering up to $90,000 in retention bonuses for high-demand career fields, including Raiders, reconnaissance and explosive ordnance disposal, as it seeks to retain young Marines with key skills.
The selective reenlistment bonuses for FY 2020 include incentives for aviation maintenance, air traffic controllers, infantry squad leaders and Marines willing to make a lateral move to select specialties such as intelligence and cyberdefense, a command bulletin issued Friday said.
“Retaining our experienced and qualified Marines remains one of the Commandant’s highest priorities,” it said. “Achieving retention goals is vital for shaping and sustaining the Marine Corps’ enlisted force.”
Marine Commandant Gen. Robert Neller said in a letter last October that the Corps needed to recruit 38,500 new members to fill gaps in the ranks.





United Through Reading®
Deploying? Service members invited to record stories for family at San Diego USO
United Through Reading® is a program helping ease the stress of separation for military families by having deploying or deployed service members read children’s books aloud via DVD for their family to watch at home. This powerful program is available to all military units. It provides service members a chance to make lasting connections from afar. The DVD recording and the book are mailed to the child and family back home.
Service members who are leaving for training can also take part in this program. Being a parent is not required; service members can send the DVD & book(s) to any special child in their life such as younger sister or brother, niece, nephew or godchild.
On the day of the recording, service members are encouraged to dress in the attire they will be wearing while deployed/training, but this is not required. The room is private, so any special message, or those fun reading voices, will only be heard by the recipient of the DVD recording. USO San Diego has books available, or service members can bring their own. Our volunteers will help set up the camera and then leave the room. The DVD can hold a 30 minute recording.
Please e-mail USO San Diego Staff Member Nichole Duarte at utr@usosandiego.org to make your appointment. This program is offered at both USO San Diego centers.